Few seasons are as beautiful as autumn (or, fall) in the Western Cape. Before the trees and vineyards become barren and leafless, our seasonal autumn colours always put on a magical show.
Complete with often crisp-turned-balmy days, incredible, vivid sunrises and sunsets and a hint of autumn vibes everywhere you turn (from the rust-coloured vines to the cheery yellow leaves waving precariously on the trees) – these are some of the best places to experience the annual autumn colours:
- The Postcard Café and Stark-Conde Wines (Stellenbosch Winelands)
Stark-Conde Wines and the on-site, charming Postcard Café are some of the most beautiful destinations in all the Western Cape – no matter the season! But a visit to this stunning Stellenbosch wine farm – which is encircled by a wall of trees and the distant Jonkershoek mountains – and the café are unmissable in autumn time.
Take a stroll along the neat paths, alongside the lush lawns and gorgeous lake, book a wine tasting at the tasting room (which rests out on the centre of the lake) or enjoy a bite to eat at the cosy, yet endlessly scenic Postcard Café, which serves a delicious array of hearty cuisine and delicious treats.
This picture-perfect wine farm and cosy café are the perfect places to experience a delicate palette of autumn colours!
Location: 69 Jonkershoek Road, Starke-Conde Wines, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
2. Bokrivier Cottages (Riviersonderend)
If you wish to enjoy an autumn getaway and soak up the magic of the season, there’s no cosier, more tranquil place to pick than the popular, pet-friendly Bokrivier.
Situated a short drive from both Greyton (to the east) and Riviersonderend (to the west), Bokrivier is a dreamy accommodation offering with five stunning cottages, rich, wild natural spaces, pecan nut trees and a range of Sussex cattle.
With its cottages nestled under the protective Pillarkop (the highest peak of the Riviersonderend mountains), this working farm makes for a beautiful getaway.
Better still, during autumn, the farm and its surrounding areas come alive with rich autumn colours.
Location: Bokrivier Cottages, Bokrivier, Riviersonderend, Western Cape
3. Franschhoek Wine Valley (Franschhoek)
Franschhoek is another magical place in the Western Cape no matter the season – but this tranquil town becomes even more beautiful during autumn.
Not only does the town itself, lined with a gorgeous array of oak trees, give off incredible autumn vibes but the Franschhoek valley’s wine farms also put on a spectacular autumn display.
Some of my personal favourites to visit during autumn include Babylonstoren (they also usually have an annual pumpkin display in their Puff Adder exhibit that is an unmissable early autumn attraction!), Boschendal and La Motte.
These farms also offer incredible autumn activities to enjoy – everything from gardening workshops, farm tours and horse- and pony rides to restaurants, delis and well-stocked farm shops that are infused with autumn flavours.
Location: Franschhoek, Western Cape
4. Stellenbosch
Historic Stellenbosch is another Winelands town that truly comes into a league of its own during autumntime.
Everywhere you look in the town, its gardens and surrounding Winelands, there is crisp autumnal beauty to be found.
Nothing is better than exploring Stellenbosch on foot to truly savour the autumn display but you can also go for an MTB ride along the R44, take a slow drive about town and of course, explore the Winelands to savour the season.
The Stellenbosch wine farms are some of the most impressive to visit during autumn. Some of my favourites include the aforementioned Stark-Conde, Blaauwklippen and Delaire Graff to name drop a few.
These are just some of the best places to experience autumn colours. Which are you keen to head to during autumn?
Written by Tamlyn Ryan for travel opulent box
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